Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 341- Part II.

YOUCAT Question n. 341 – Part II. Can someone earn heaven by good works?

(Youcat answer - repeated) No. No man can gain heaven merely by his own efforts. The fact that we are saved is God’s grace, pure and simple, which nevertheless demands the free cooperation of the individual.    

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2008) The merit of man before God in the Christian life arises from the fact that God has freely chosen to associate man with the work of his grace. The fatherly action of God is first on his own initiative, and then follows man's free acting through his collaboration, so that the merit of good works is to be attributed in the first place to the grace of God, then to the faithful. Man's merit, moreover, itself is due to God, for his good actions proceed in Christ, from the predispositions and assistance given by the Holy Spirit.        

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) Although it is grace and faith through which we are saved, nevertheless, our good works ought to show the love produced by God’s action in us.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2028) "All Christians… are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of charity" (LG 40 § 2). "Christian perfection has but one limit, that of having none" (St. Gregory of Nyssa, De vita Mos.: PG 44, 300D).    

(This question: Can someone earn heaven by good works? is continued)